Final chapter because I'll just feel better having another story completed, I am aware there are stories I haven't updated for 2 years, sometimes I think it might be better to delete them and put them back up when I'm ready to carry on. I think I should focus on one story at a time and not try to do so many…

Anyway here is a fluffy little epilogue for you, to end this otherwise bizarre fic.

Thank you for sticking with me! I know I am the most awful updater but your reviews are very kind regardless.

xXx

It was not long before she was once against able to enjoy a night cap with him, previously the terror induced from the mere darkness brought by night had her retire to bed as soon as dinner was over.

He chose a soft claret with a fruity note her knew she'd enjoy. One of multiple things he'd done in an attempt to keep her at ease this evening; soft lighting, a warm fire, an empty servants hall and of course, a steadying man by her side.

Inside her sitting room, Elsie watched the sunset from her window, she wasn't scared, maybe a little apprehensive though. But she wasn't sure that was due to the time of day.
He was careful when approaching, slowly resting his hands on her shoulders and squeezing them tenderly.

"Would you like some wine my dear?" He kept his voice low, almost sensual, but as soft as he could manage.

"I would. Please"

After pressing a kiss to the back of her head he returned to the room with the decanter and glasses, complete with a blanket draped over his arm. Having led her to the settee he set about wrapping the blanket around her legs and fixing their wine.

She rolled her eyes at his mothering but indulged him nonetheless, the man had been frightened for her safety and all he wanted was to be able to look after her now the threat was gone – she couldn't fault him for that.
With the glass in one hand, he held hers securely in the other. They were content to sit silently, enjoying their wine and each other's company, calming each other's nerves with their clasped hands.

A few minutes of listening to the crackling of the fire, he set his glass down and encased her hand within both of his.

"I have something for you Elsie."

"Oh?" She rested her empty glass on her knees.

"Wait here." He ordered before scurrying out. Returning mere seconds later with a couple of wrapped packages. He took the glass from her and placed the presents on her lap.
'He's like a child at Christmas' she thought, his eyes were shining with excitement as she began to unwrap them.

"Oh Charles, they're beautiful…" Wrapped in tissue paper were two small silver frames, one portrait, and the other landscape.

"This one…" He tapped the landscape one, "is for a new staff photograph." He was pleased to see her joyful smile. "And this one…" Instead of tapping the other, he stroked his fingers over her hand, continuing softly. "…is for our wedding photograph."

Tears pooled in her eyes as she looked lovingly at him.

"Was that a proposal Mister Carson?"

"No. But this is." He lowered himself to the floor on bended knee. "Elsie Hughes, would you do me the greatest honour…and become my wife."

She swallowed before nodding profusely. "Of course I will."

Letting out a hurried breath he quickly returned to his place on the settee, gathering her up tightly into his arms.

"My Love" He whispered against her neck repeatedly. Choked up on emotion and relief. She was clinging to him, her nails digging into his shoulders, but he didn't mind, whilst the recent events had been horrific, and an emotional rollercoaster for her, it had finally brought them closer together. She would recover in her own time but this way, he would be bound to her side to see her through it, care and love her till his final breath.
Slipping an arm around her waist he took a simple but elegant ring from his pocket and slid it carefully onto her trembling finger.
They gazed down at it, watching as the light caught in the tiny stone, before their eyes met. Then their lips. Softly, reverently, his hand on her cheek, hers on his arms.

All was well, she was safe and they had a new life to live.

The end.

Thank you for reading my dears

This story was originally written for TeeCup and I hope it's lived up to her expectations, I love you my little sweetie.

xXx